Estimate how much you can afford by doing a budget. Consider expenses such as rent, food, books, stationery, printing, transport, calculators, CSU fees, entertainment, personal needs. If you're smart with your spending, you can cut down on your living expenses and save money.
There are a number of aspects to consider when budgeting for costs at university: tuition fees, accommodation fees, course expenses like textbooks and materials, and general living expenses.
The following is an example of some of the annual costs involved in being a student at CSU. Please be reminded that this is intended to be used as a guide when preparing a budget. The living costs vary from student to student depending on their lifestyle and preferences.
| Academic costs (compulsory costs per year in Australian dollars) | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | as scheduled | |
| Text books, stationery, equipment etc. | $500 | $1,000 |
| Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC) | $348 | $696 |
| Internet charges | $80 | $400 |
| Photocopying charges | $30 | $30 |
There may be additional costs associated with your course, for example, travel and living expenses during practicum, protective clothing and specialist equipment.
| Personal costs | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Rental establishment costs | $600 | $1,200 |
| Rent | $5,200 | $6,240 |
| Contributions to household costs | $1,400 | $2,800 |
| University accommodation | as scheduled | |
| Food | $2,880 | $4,600 |
| Uni bus expenses | $520 | $1,040 |
| Miscellaneous (entertainment, clothes, repairs) | $1,200 | $2,400 |
*not shown are costs associated with owning a car, mobile telephone and other luxury items
Here are some great ways to cut down on your living expenses:
"Some helpful hints" are drawn from "Budgeting: Making it Easy" by the Credit Union Services Corporation.
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The overall cost of obtaining a degree at CSU is lower than most other universities in Australia, and our students find that the cost of living is less in a regional centre compared to metropolitan locations.
Academic support whatever your course, your age, your location, your background; we can help you achieve success in your studies.
From the establishment of the Wagga Wagga and Bathurst Experimental Farms in 1895, Charles Sturt University has grown to become one of the largest Universities in the country generating more than $500 million and 5,000 jobs for our rural and regional communities each year.
CSU Bathurst has excellent facilities including computerised lecture theatres, new biochemistry laboratory and state-of-the-art technical exercise and nursing laboratories.